When the S-Class was first teased, it was clear then that there would be several versions of the new car. This is the latest one yet.
The S-Class Coupé was the first two-door 222-series S-Class to arrive, and, now, Mercedes have taken the roof off to create their flagship 2+2 convertible, above the E-Class Cabriolet – which we’ve reviewed this month in Car India. We’ve spoken of the Ocean Drive Concept as well, and the S Cabrio takes the game forward.
The engine choices are the same the a S Coupé with the two twin-turbo V8s – one 4.7-litre Benz and one 5.5-litre AMG – doing duty with 455 PS and 700 Nm, and 585 PS and 900 Nm respectively. The S 500 uses the 9G-Tronic automatic with rear-wheel-drive while the AMG S 63 Cabriolet gets the SpeedShift MCT 7-speeder with rear-wheel-drive (for right hand drive markets), or 4MATIC (for left-hand-drive markets) as standard. The 4MATIC is rear-biased to the tune of 33:67. The drivelines may be familiar, but there are several firsts which arrive on the new S-Class Cabriolet as well.
To make it lighter, the rear floor on the S Cabrio is made entirely of aluminium. Of course, 60 per cent of the body work is shared with the S Coupé, but this step takes the percentage of aluminium to over 50 per cent of the total body.
The new ThermoTronic intelligent open-top climate control system débuts in the S Cabrio after a series of tests to ensure maximum comfort for occupants. It initialises the supply of cold air quickly after starting the vehicle and subsequently controls the climate as inconspicuously as possible. The Airscarf is also employed for that cosy feeling when driving with the top down. For when you return to the car after it has been parked, the Air Balance package which uses ionisation for fragrances and charcoal-filter air cleaning now features a new fragrance called ‘Pacific Mood’ that is exclusive to the Cabriolet.
On the safety front, yes, there is a full complement of airbags and electronic nannies for stability and traction control, but another first for Mercedes is the inclusion of pyrotechnics to deploy the roll-bars. The rollover protection system is initiated by the airbag sensor. It uses a gas-generator to immediately deploy the roll-bars should an imminent vehicle roll over be detected. The S Cabrio is wide, squat and planted, but external factors, however unlikely, can be an issue and it’s best to be prepared for the worst.
The S-Class Cabriolet will be launched globally soon. Expect to get a better look at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It will take on competition like the Bentley Continental GTC and Maserati GranCabrio. We should see it arrive in India shortly after its global début.
Story: Jim Gorde
